MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Marine Resources
By: Representative Eaton
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT NO SEAFOOD PRODUCT SHALL BE OFFERED FOR DIRECT RETAIL SALE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION UNLESS THE SEAFOOD PRODUCT IS LABELED AS A PRODUCT OF THIS COUNTRY OR AS IMPORTED SEAFOOD, A PRODUCT OF A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) No seafood product shall be offered for direct retail sale for human consumption by a processor, distributor, wholesaler or retailer unless the seafood product is specifically labeled in the following manner:
(a) "SEAFOOD, A PRODUCT OF THE UNITED STATES" if the product originates from the United States.
(b) "IMPORTED SEAFOOD, A PRODUCT OF A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" if the product originates from a country other than the United States of America.
(2) Any person selling seafood exclusively and directly to the consumer may have on his premises a sign reasonably visible to the consumer identifying such product as "Seafood, a Product of the United States" or "Imported Seafood, a Product of a Country Other Than the United States of America" as such products are defined in this section, rather than labeling each individual container or package of seafood product, as provided in this section.
(3) Any retailer selling seafood products not wrapped or in a container may comply with this article by placing a sign on the display case or refrigeration unit reasonably visible to the consumer, giving notice that such seafood is either "Seafood, a Product of the United States" or "Imported Seafood, a Product of a Country Other Than the United States of America" as such products are defined in this section.
(4) Any advertising as to any seafood product shall state whether such seafood product is "Seafood, a Product of the United States" or "Imported Seafood, a Product of a Country Other Than The United States of America" as defined in this section.
(5) This section shall not apply to seafood products exported out of the United States.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.